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When the world went into various stages of lockdown at the start of the pandemic, a number of countries listed books as essential items.

Unfortunately, South Africa wasn’t one of those countries, but that’s a rant for another time. Bookshops are open again, and you can order books online, so I’ll let this one go.

Studies have shown that reading is not only a great source of entertainment, but it can improve memory, make you smarter, and even increase your lifespan.

If you want to get started on putting together a reading list, but don’t know where to start, Amazon has just released its list of the best books of 2020 (so far).

Here’s Mashable:

Each year, the editors at The Amazon Book Review highlight some of their favourite works that published from January to June. The mid-year list is a great resource for anyone looking for their next read, but when you’re shopping for books this summer — be it in-person or online — remember you can also seek out and support your local bookshops.

To make sure that there’s something for everyone, we picked our favourite from each of the top categories.

Biographies and Memoirs

Sigh, Gone: A Misfit’s Memoir of Great Books, Punk Rock, and the Fight to Fit In

Author: Phuc Tran

Image: Faltiron Books

“Sigh, Gone is a stunning memoir about refugees, racism, displacement, the lifeline of literature, fitting in—and fighting to do so… Read this book; it’s an important story of immigration, America, and the disconnect between generations, cultures, and how to find connection. And, if you’re like me, you will be in awe of his words, humor, insight, and dedication to sharing his experience in all of its glory and hurt. Plus, even though you might cry, you will definitely laugh out loud.” — Al Woodworth, Amazon Book Review

Literature and Fiction

The Girl with the Louding Voice: A Novel

Author: Abi Daré

Image: Dutton

“Abi Daré’s debut novel, The Girl with the Louding Voice, is like a blend of Etaf Rum’s A Woman Is No Man and Tara Westover’s Educated (so buckle up)…The Girl with the Louding Voice is a rousing tale of courage and pluck, and unexpectedly charming. It’s also a reminder of the power of books, especially for those of us afforded the luxury of taking reading, and learning, and dreaming for granted.” — Erin Kodicek, Amazon Book Review

History

A Black Women’s History of the United States

Authors: Daina Ramey Berry & Kali Nicole Cross

Image: Random House

A Black Women’s History of the United States reaches far beyond a single narrative to showcase Black women’s lives in all their fraught complexities. Berry and Gross prioritize many voices: enslaved women, freedwomen, religious leaders, artists, queer women, activists, and women who lived outside the law. The result is a starting point for exploring Black women’s history and a testament to the beauty, richness, rhythm, tragedy, heartbreak, rage, and enduring love that abounds in the spirit of Black women in communities throughout the nation.

Mysteries and Thrillers

The Sun Down Motel

Author: Simone St. James

Image: Penguin/Random House

Something hasn’t been right at the roadside Sun Down Motel for a very long time, and Carly Kirk is about to find out why in this chilling new novel from the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of The Broken Girls.

Upstate New York, 1982. Viv Delaney wants to move to New York City, and to help pay for it she takes a job as the night clerk at the Sun Down Motel in Fell, New York. But something isnʼt right at the motel, something haunting and scary.

Science Fiction and Fantasy

The City We Became (The Great Cities Trilogy)

Author: N. K. Jemisin

Image: Hachette Book Group

‘A glorious fantasy, set in that most imaginary of cities, New York’ – Neil Gaiman.

‘The most celebrated science fiction and fantasy writer of her generation… Jemisin seems able to do just about everything’ – NEW YORK TIMES

‘Jemisin is now a pillar of speculative fiction, breathtakingly imaginative and narratively bold’ – ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Romance

The Happy Ever After Playlist

Author: Abby Jimenez

Image: Hachette Book Group

From the USA Today bestselling author of The Friend Zone comes an adorable and fresh romantic comedy about one trouble-making dog who brings together two perfect strangers.

Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can’t seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a ‘take me home’ look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker’s owner reaches out. He’s a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: he wants Tucker back.

And that rounds things off.

You can see the full list of bestsellers, here.

Also, if you are keen on adding to the pile of books next to your bed, consider purchasing new books from a bookstore, because those local businesses could use all the support they can get.

[source:mashable&amazon]